Postcard from Poland

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We landed, got our luggage, got money, headed for the bus to the city, and then the fun began. The 40 some passenger bus already had twice that amount including everyone's bags. Tickets were only sold from a machine that only took coins. We only had a 200 zloty bill. The bus was getting ready to leave, we wanted to get to the city, we hopped on. Locals were warning people of the 1000 zloty fine if you didn't have a ticket, but there was no way to get a ticket. After a 40 minute bus ride there was our hotel right at one of the scheduled stops. We didn't have to pay a fine, we didn't have to do hard time, and we got dropped off in front of our hotel. The travel angels were smiling on us once again.

Krakow was lovely, cool, and rainy. Lunch at our favorite restaurant, Hawelka, was eaten outside under their umbrellas while it rained. It was delightful! We usually managed to miss the showers by hanging out in the Cloth Market, strolling through the mega-mall, or spending time in a church or a museum.

One of the new sites for us was the visit to Kosciuszki Mound. This was a man-made mound overlooking the city. It is a memorial to Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who fought with the rebels, in the American Revolutionary War. He was Polish and was a national hero in Poland. Ron was especially interested in his achievements since there is a Kosciuszki county and a monument to him in Indiana.

Our day trip to the mountain village of Zakopane was excellent. It was one of the few days with sunshine and no rain. We love the unique wooden architecture and the lovely mountain views of the Tatra range. It's also a great place to enjoy the awesome Polish soups and smoked goat cheese.

Our three and a half days flew by and soon it was time to move on to Paris. We arrived here last night. Today, was spent doing a slow walk through Ile de la Cite and Ile St. Louis. It was a wonderful day. More on that in the Paris postcard in a few days.

Enjoying the journey,

Ramblin' Ron and Pam

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Photos

Wawel Castle
The cathedral and castle are on Wawel Hill overlooking the Old Town.

The tomb of Copernicus
Located in Wawel Cathedral

Wawel Dragon
Check out the flames!

St Mary's steeple
"On every hour, a trumpet signal—called the Hejnał mariacki—is played from the top of the taller of St. Mary's two towers. The plaintive tune breaks off in mid-stream, to commemorate the famous 13th century trumpeter, who was shot in the throat while sounding the alarm before the Mongol attack on the city. The noon-time hejnał is heard across Poland and abroad broadcast live by the Polish national Radio 1 Station."

Adam Michiewicz statue on Market Square
Famous 19th century Polish poet

Market Square of Old Town Krakow
This is where Tadeusz Kosciuszko lead a revolt against foreign rule in 1794.

The Cloth Market
Located on the main square of Old Town. This was the world's first shopping mall. The original building was erected in the 14th century. It was rebuilt in1555 after being destroyed by fire.

Market Square
Designed in 1257, it is one of the largest squares of medieval Europe.

Cloth Market stalls
The market use to sell primarily cloth in medieval times. Today, it sells mostly amber, t-shirts, and other souvenirs.

Part of the Royal Road - now Florianska Street
At the other end is the McDonald's.

The Wista River
On the southern border of Old Town

Comments

[Cindy Gray]

Wine barrel!
Loved the pics, Pam n Ron! Did you get to the wine tasting room in the castle? That's probably a silly question, right! Lol

[Valerie]

Poland so interesting
I knew nothing about Poland until your blog. Thank you for all of the interesting information and lovely pictures.

[qltgrose]

Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Well Ron, who KNEW??? Only you would find a Hoosier hero in his homeland? He probably liked the cornfields better anyway! Looks like the trip has been lovely so far, and it sounds like your birthday dinner was perfect...Happy Trails you two.....cant believe its been nearly a month already since you were here. Hope to talk to you when you arrive stateside. Hugssssssssss Jody

[Don Remo]

Beautiful Switzerland and Krakow. Can't get much better! Glad to hear that you are working well around the weather. Keep on having fun.